Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Italian Beef Marinara

 

Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Italian Beef Marinara

 

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~600 per serving
Cuisine: Italian-American Comfort Food
Main Flavors: Cheesy, savory, creamy with herbs and spice

Description

This Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Italian Beef Marinara is everything you want in a hearty, weeknight dinner: quick, flavorful, cheesy, and family-approved. The classic bowtie pasta holds onto a luscious blend of marinara and Velveeta, with juicy ground beef and a touch of Italian seasoning. It’s finished with melty mozzarella and a sprinkle of fresh basil to take it from simple to sensational.

Whether you’re craving Italian comfort food or need something easy that pleases picky eaters, this dish has you covered.

Ingredients

For the pasta:

• 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• Salt, for boiling water

For the sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 (14.5 oz) jar marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 (8 oz) block Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For topping and garnish:

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but delicious)
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
• Drain and set aside. Drizzle with a bit of oil to prevent sticking (optional).

2. Brown the Beef:

• In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef.
• Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink.
• Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

3. Add Sauce and Velveeta:

• Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine with the beef.
• Reduce heat to low and add the cubed Velveeta cheese.
• Stir gently and continuously until Velveeta is completely melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.

4. Combine with Pasta:

• Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet.
• Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the cheesy meat sauce.

5. Finish with Cheese:

• Stir in the shredded mozzarella and allow it to melt into the hot pasta.
• Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top if desired for an extra layer of richness.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Remove from heat and top with fresh chopped basil.
• Serve immediately while hot and melty. Enjoy with garlic bread or a crisp side salad!

Tips & Variations

• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicier twist.
• Add veggies: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to boost nutrition.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it up to 2 days before combining with pasta.

Serving Suggestions

• Best served hot, straight from the skillet.
• Pair with:
  • Garlic bread
  • Caesar salad
  • Roasted vegetables
• Great for:
  • Weeknight family dinners
  • Potlucks
  • Leftover lunches